RIYADH - China's U17 football team suffered its second consecutive defeat at the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup, falling 2-1 to Uzbekistan in Group A on Sunday in Taif, Saudi Arabia, eliminating them from quarterfinal contention.

Wei Xiangxin saw two close-range efforts saved in the 33rd minute, but Zhang Chengrui pounced on the rebound to give China a 1-0 lead. Uzbekistan's Sadriddin Khasanov tapped home an equalizer in first-half stoppage time.

Substitute Asilbek Aliev headed in an 86th-minute winner to seal Uzbekistan's comeback.

In the group's other match, Saudi Arabia defeated Thailand 3-1. With two wins each, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia secured quarterfinal berths and 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup qualification. They will meet Wednesday to decide the group winner.

China concludes its campaign against Thailand on Wednesday.